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Vicki Kennedy To Speak At Boston College Commencement

BOSTON (AP) — The widow of U.S. Sen. Edward Kennedy will be giving a spring commencement speech at a Roman Catholic college in Massachusetts after all.

Boston College Law School announced Friday that Victoria Kennedy will give the keynote address at its May 25 commencement.

Kennedy had been scheduled to deliver this year’s commencement speech at Anna Maria College in Paxton. But last month, the college withdrew the invitation under pressure from Bishop Robert McManus of the Diocese of Worcester (WUS’-tur).

McManus objected to Kennedy’s public support for abortion rights and gay marriage, which are against church teachings.

On Friday, BC law Dean Vincent Rougeau said Kennedy has been a “powerful advocate for the powerless” on issues including gun control and education.

He said he was pleased Kennedy, a lifelong Catholic, agreed to offer her perspective to graduates.